Col. Samantha Weeks, 14th Flying Training Wing commander, inducted three community members from Columbus, Mississippi, into the Columbus Air Force Base Wingman Program before relinquishing command on May 18.

Retired Maj. Gen. Brian Bishop, former commander of Carl A. Spaatz Center for Officer Education, and commandant of Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, virtually spoke to Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Class 20-12/13 during their graduation ceremony April 24 at Columbus AFB, Mississippi.

Propulsion mechanics at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, responsible for keeping engines designed for the T-38 Talon in pristine condition, are being counted on to ensure the Air Forces’s pilot training pipeline requirements continue in light of the COVID-19 virus.

While the nation navigates its way through the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, Columbus Air Force Base Fire and Emergency Services (FES) is focused on maintaining readiness and protecting the members of Columbus AFB in support of the 14th Flying training Wing’s mission.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic that is sweeping the globe, the 14th Flying Training Wing’s mission of creating pilots remains essential and vital to the nation’s defense.
The 14th FTW at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, has continued creating pilots all while following the Department of Defense’s and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hygiene guidelines.

Although nearly all base outreach events have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Columbus Air Force Base was still able to find a way to recognize the Air Force’s newest pilots during a graduation ceremony March 27.